Each year in our art program, I look for ways to help students grow not just as artists, but as people. One of the most meaningful ways we do that is through our participation in The Memory Project.
The Memory Project is an international nonprofit that connects students with children around the world by creating handmade portraits. This year, my Drawing II students and members of our Art Club were paired with children living in impoverished areas of India. Using photographs as references, students created portraits that will be sent back as very personal, meaningful gifts. For many of the children who receive them, these portraits are incredibly special. They often don’t have many personal belongings, so having a custom piece of artwork made just for them can mean a lot. It’s a simple but powerful way to show them that someone is thinking about them.
For our students, this project becomes something more than just an art assignment. Yes, they’re practicing skills like shading, proportions, and color, but they’re also practicing empathy. They enter this project knowing that they will not be able to keep this work and instead, their work is going to a real child, with a real story. I have noticed how much this changes their process and level or care; often resulting in some of the most special pieces of the semester.
This project is also especially meaningful to me. I’ve now had the chance to bring The Memory Project to HBR for all 10 years that I have taught here. But, my connection to it actually goes back even further. I first participated when I was a high school student myself. It’s been really rewarding to now watch my own students have that same experience.
Projects like this are a great reminder that art can do more than just fill a page: Art can build connections across the world. I’m so proud of the care and effort our students put into their portraits this year and am excited for partnering with this organization for years to come!
If you would like to support funding for our participation in the Memory Project, you can donate through #429Cares on the Webstore and indicate that you are donating to the Memory Project.
For more information on the Memory Project, visit their website: https://www.memoryproject.org/
